Firearm safety system

ABSTRACT

A firearm safety system and method is described herein. The system may include a tracking system, a smart firearm and/or a smart magazine, and a smart tracking unit. The tracking system is in communication with satellites that monitor specific locations, a smart firearm and a portable electronic device. The tracking system includes an internal geographical database of specific monitored locations. The smart firearm includes a microprocessor and a receiver. The motor operates in response to a signal received, which may indicate that the firearm is approaching a no gun safety zone, whereby the signal causes the microprocessor to operate the automatic safety lock to prevent the apparatus from operating. The receiver monitors signals and receives location data from the satellites. The method of operating a smart firearm includes receiving a signal at the at least one receiver and responding to the signal by locking the automatic safety lock.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/827,819, filed Mar. 14, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a firearm safety system and,more particularly, to a system for the prevention of any unauthorizedand/or undesired discharge of a firearm.

BACKGROUND

Gun safety is a widespread and overriding issue in today's society andone of the biggest concerns is gun control. These concerns includeaccidental shootings, the use of guns by children, suicide, possessionof firearms by criminals, and the shooting of police officers and lawenforcement agents with the officer or agent's own weapon while in theline of duty.

Another area of concern is the complete prevention of accidentaldischarge of weapons so as to avoid unintentional injuries or death. Forexample, weapons may come into the hands of children or inexperiencedfirearm users, which may then be accidentally or improperly discharged,resulting in death or serious injury. Police officers, security guards,correctional facility officers and other law enforcement officerstypically carry a firearm for their own protection as well as theprotection of others. Such law enforcement officers may be continuallyexposed to situations where potential assailants must be physicallyconfronted or detained. During the process of being confronted ordetained, potential assailants may have the chance to take the officer'sfirearm away from him. The officer then faces the risk that theassailant will use his own firearm against him.

Typically, people on both sides of the gun control issue support thedevelopment of devices which prevent unauthorized gun use. Suchrestrictions may commonly be endorsed as means for preventing gun use bychildren and criminals. Accordingly, efforts have been made toincorporate firearms with devices, which may restrict or control use.

Devices have been developed to address this need for firearm safetydevices. There have been numerous attempts to improve gun safety by useof mechanical safety locks. Some of the initial attempts at safety wereby the design of trigger locks. The trigger lock is traditionallyoperated by a key and prevents the firearm from being used unless thelock is removed. However, if someone has access to the key, the triggerlock can be removed and the firearm discharged. Accordingly, it does noteliminate firearm use by a child or intruder. Furthermore, if the lockis not used, the firearm may be discharged by anyone who has access tothe firearm.

Historically, manufacturers of firearms have attempted to develop safetysystems that may aid in the prevention of the unintentional discharge offirearms, such as a grip safety. It may require that the shooter todepress the grip safety sufficiently before the firearm can be fired.Thus, an unintentional trigger pull that could occur from dropping orother mishandling of the firearm would not allow the firearm to firebecause the grip safety would have to be depressed also. If the gripsafety is not properly gripped, it may not be depressed sufficiently toallow the firearm to be fired.

A thumb safety operates by manually shifting the safety lever from its“safe” position to its “fire” position. A grip safety is automaticallyshifted to its “fire” position when the user's hand engages the stock orhandle of the weapon.

Other types of devices may utilize personalized data. For example, somegun safety devices may use finger or hand print data in identifyingauthorized users and enabling operation. Similarly, others may use voicerecognition circuitry for identifying authorized users and enablingoperation. Pressure sensing grip sensors may be used to determine if thegripping pattern matches the pattern of an authorized user of thefirearm. That is, it suggests using the pattern of how the authorizeduser grips the firearm as a means of recognizing him. These concepts mayuse pressure sensors as grip sensors.

Another safety mechanism for a firearm may consist of a specializedscanning mechanism built into the firearm's trigger. The scanner may beprogrammed to read the unique fingerprints of a given individual. Thedevice may be capable of holding the programmed print information formore than one person, so that multiple people would be able to use thefirearm. However, usage may be limited to only those persons whose handprints have been pre-stored in the scanner. The scanner mechanism may beconnected to the firearm's safety lock, whereby the safety may beprevented from being released without proper authorization from thescanner. When a person grips the weapon and places his finger on thetrigger, the pressure of the finger on the trigger may activate thescanner, and the scanner reads the fingerprint to determine if thescanned fingerprint matches one of the pre-stored fingerprint images. Ifthe individual is an authorized user, the scanner may transmit a signalto the safety, releasing this device and activating the firearm for use.

Prior firearm safety systems have certain drawbacks or disadvantages.Therefore, there is a need for an improved firearm safety system, suchas a system that may be computer assisted for safety, accountability,and public safety. The desired solution may prevent gun violence thatcan be established without eroding citizens' rights to own and/or carryfirearms.

A firearm safety system is described herein. The firearm safety systemmay include a tracking system, a smart firearm and/or a smart magazine,and a smart tracking unit. The smart firearm apparatus may include aframe housing at least one microprocessor and at least one receiver incommunication with the at least one microprocessor, wherein the at leastone receiver may be configured to receive a signal. The smart firearmapparatus may also include at least one motor in communication with theat least one microprocessor, a trigger capable of operating theapparatus, a sear mechanically connected to the trigger, a strikermechanically connected to the sear, and at least one automatic safetylock in communication with the at least one microprocessor and the atleast one motor. The at least one motor may be configured to operate inresponse to the signal received by the at least one receiver and the atleast one motor may be configured to operate the at least one automaticsafety lock to prevent the apparatus from operating. The at least oneautomatic safety lock may be configured to prevent the sear fromengaging the striker whereby the apparatus may be unable to operate.

The at least one receiver may be configured to monitor signals andreceive location data from at least one satellite. The smart firearmapparatus may also include at least one transmitter that may beconfigured to communicate with the at least one microprocessor and theat least one receiver, wherein the at least one transmitter may beconfigured to transmit a signal. The apparatus may also include atracking unit in communication with the at least one microprocessor. Thetracking unit may include an internal geographical database of specificmonitored locations. The specific monitored locations may includeschools and federal buildings, for example.

The at least one safety lock may be configured to permit the apparatusto operate and prevent the apparatus from operating. The at least onesafety lock may comprise a bar. The specific monitored locations mayinclude a designated no gun safety zone around the locations. The atleast one receiver may be capable of receiving geographic coordinatesignals and the at least one microprocessor may be capable of matchingthose geographic coordinate signals with an internal pre-storedgeographical database of specific monitored locations. The signal may bereceived at the at least one receiver indicating that the smart firearmapparatus may be approaching a no gun safety zone, whereby the signalmay cause the at least one microprocessor to operate the at least oneautomatic safety lock.

A method of operating a smart firearm is disclosed herein. The smartfirearm may include a trigger capable of operating the apparatus, a searmechanically connected to the trigger, a striker mechanically connectedto the sear, at least one microprocessor, at least one receiver, and atleast one automatic safety lock. The method of operating a smart firearmmay comprise the steps of: receiving a signal at the at least onereceiver and responding to the signal by locking the at least oneautomatic safety lock. The at least one automatic safety lock may beconfigured to prevent the sear from engaging the striker whereby theapparatus may be unable to operate when the trigger is pulled. Thesignal may be received from a tracking system. The tracking system maybe in communication with at least one satellite. The at least onereceiver may be capable of receiving geographic coordinate signals andthe at least one microprocessor may be capable of matching thosegeographic coordinate signals with an internal pre-stored geographicaldatabase of specific monitored locations. The signal may be received atthe at least one receiver indicating that the firearm may be approachinga no gun safety zone, whereby the signal may cause the at least onemicroprocessor to operate the at least one automatic safety lock to lockthe firearm.

A firearm safety system is disclosed herein. The firearm safety systemmay include a tracking system that may be communication with at leastone satellite, wherein the at least one satellite may be capable ofmonitoring specific locations. The firearm safety system may alsoinclude a smart firearm including a microprocessor and tracking unit,wherein the smart firearm may be configured to communicate with thetracking system. The firearm safety system may also include a portableelectronic device that may be configured to communicate with thetracking system and the smart firearm, wherein the portable electronicdevice may be configured to lock and unlock the smart firearm. When thesmart firearm approaches a specific location being monitored, theportable electronic device may be capable of producing a warning signal,and when the smart firearm enters into the specific location beingmonitored, the smart firearm may be configured to be locked down uponentering the specific location being monitored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention maybe better understood by reference to the following detailed descriptiontaken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of afirearm safety system in use with a safety zone.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a firearmsafety system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side cut away view of an exemplary embodiment of asmart firearm of the firearm safety system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up side view of FIG. 3 of an exemplaryembodiment of an automatic safety lock for a smart firearm of thefirearm safety system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close up side view of FIG. 3 of an exemplaryembodiment of an automatic safety lock for a smart firearm of thefirearm safety system.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side cut away view of an exemplary embodiment of asmart magazine of the firearm safety system.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic device ofan exemplary embodiment of the firearm safety system.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural and functional changes may be made without departing fromthe respective scope of the invention. As such, the followingdescription is presented by way of illustration only and should notlimit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may bemade to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit andscope of the invention. Additionally, as used herein, the term“exemplary” is intended to mean serving as an illustration or example ofsomething, and is not intended to indicate a preference.

A firearm safety system 100 (the “system 100”) is illustrated in FIGS.1-7. The firearm safety system 100 may also be referred to as theSmartGun Safety System. The firearm safety system 100 may include anyappropriate number or types of components. In an exemplary embodiment,the firearm safety system 100 may include a tracking component 200 and asmart gun or smart firearm component 300. In another exemplaryembodiment, the firearm safety system 100 may include a trackingcomponent 200 and a smart magazine component 400. The tracking component200 may be referred to as the SmartTracker, the smart firearm component300 may be referred to as the SmartGun and the smart magazine component400 may be referred to as the SmartMag.

The tracking component 200 or system may include at least one safetyzone 202, at least one safety perimeter 204, at least one smart trackingunit and at least one smart tracking application. The tracking system200 may also include at least one satellite tracking system 210.

The firearm safety system 100 may be utilized for any appropriatepurpose. For example, the firearm safety system 100 may be utilized toprevent public and personal safety threats. In an exemplary embodiment,the firearm safety system 100 may be utilized to protect buildings 102,such as schools, federal buildings, private corporations and the like.The firearm safety system 100 may be utilized with safety zones 202 andsafety perimeters 204. Each safety zone 202 and/or safety perimeter 204may have a posted sign 108 indicating that the firearm owner 106 isabout to cross the safety perimeter 204 and enter the safety zone 202,as illustrated in FIG. 1. The safety zones 202 may be referred to as NoGun SafetyZones and the safety perimeters 204 may be referred to as NoGun SafetyPerimeters.

The firearm safety system 100 may assure that each smart firearm owneradheres to all established firearm safety laws. The firearm safetysystem 100 may be used for schools, governments, corporations,residences, churches, military bases, conflict zones, political andpublic events, and numerous other applications and should not be limitedto that disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 1, a safety perimeter 204 maybe established via satellite 210 or any other appropriate means aroundany school, government building, or corporate service subscribers. Nosmart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400 would be operable inside thatsafety perimeter 204. Many public institutions such as schools andcourthouses, may establish at least one safety zone 202 around thedesired building(s). Each building 102 to be protected may include oneor more safety zones 202 in any desired location.

Each safety zone 202 may include a safety perimeter 204. Each safetyperimeter 204 may be set at any desired distance 104 around theprotected building(s) 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, asafety perimeter 204 located around a school and its associatedbuildings may be set at approximately 3,000 feet. The safety zones 202and associated safety perimeters 204 may be adjustable and are notnecessarily set to one specific distance. For example, the safetyperimeter 204 around a school may be set to 3,000 feet from the exteriorof the school building(s) during the school year, school week and duringschool events, but the safety perimeter 204 may then be adjusted to1,500 feet from the exterior of the school buildings during the summersor during afterhours.

In addition, the safety zones 202 may not be limited to federal andstate protected buildings and/or events. For example, a customer orsubscriber of the firearm safety system may desire to create a safetyzone 202 absent of any legal, operable smart firearms 300 or smartmagazines 400. For example, local law enforcement officers and the likemay still have operable firearms and magazines within the safety zone202.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, any smart firearm 300 owner who tried to crossthe safety perimeter 204 into the safety zone 202 with an activatedsmart firearm 300 would trigger a safety alert to all law officers, andthe smart firearm 300 and/or smart magazine 400 would automaticallylockdown immediately once crossing into the established safety perimeter204, thereby rendering the weapon inoperable.

Each firearm safety system 100 may be used in conjunction with a smarttracking unit 206, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7. The smart trackingunit 206 may be a portable electronic device, such as the firearmowner's mobile phone 206 or smart phone 206, or the portable electronicdevice may be a separate unit that may be used in conjunction with thefirearm safety system 100. When discussed throughout the application, itis to be understood that when referring to the smart tracking unit itmay also be referring to the owner's mobile smart phone 206, and whenreferring to the owner's mobile smart phone 206 it may also be referringto a separate smart tracking unit. The smart tracking unit 206 may be ofany appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as a smallelectronic device that may fit in the owner's pocket or purse, or easilyfit on the owner's person in a small and convenient manner.

The tracking system 200 may establish and monitor all safety zones 202and safety perimeters 204 by using a smart tracking application (“app”)208, such as a phone app 208, and any appropriate tracking means. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment, the tracking system 200 may utilizevarious established satellites 210, such as government andtelecommunication satellites. In other exemplary embodiments, thetracking system 200 may utilize various sensors, radar, multilaterationof radio signals between several radio towers of the network and thephone, underground wiring (such as with an underground pet fence) andthe like. The smart firearm 300 and smart magazine 400 may be inconstant communication with and operated by a smart tracking applicationon an owner's smart phone 206 or smart tracking unit.

The satellite tracking system 210 may utilize GPS, A-GPS (AssistedGlobal Satellite Positioning System) or GPSone (GPS One, GlobalSatellite Positioning System One) satellite positioning technology, andthe GPS information related to the SmartGun/SmartMag, including acombination of time, position, altitude and speed, are transmitted tothe remote server 110.

The satellite tracking system 210 may include various kinds of wirelesscommunications, including, but not limited to, RF (radio frequency), GSM(Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet RadioServices), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WiMax (WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), orsatellite to satellite communication.

The smart firearm 300 and tracking system 200 may work together inconjunction with the owner's activated smart phone 206 tracking app 208.The smart firearm 300 and smart magazine 400 may be operated through asmart tracking app 208 that may be downloaded or uploaded onto anymobile smart phone 206, smart tracking unit and/or small electronicdevice. With reference to FIG. 7, the smart tracking app 208, theregistered gun owner may lock or unlock his or her smart firearm 300with a pass code, such as a password, numerical or alpha numerical code.The smart firearm 300 may then be operable in all unrestricted areas.For example, in use, the smart firearm 300 may be unlocked by the owner.To unlock the smart firearm 300, the owner may enter a pass code intothe owner's smart tracking phone app 208 on the owner's smart phone 206,as shown in FIG. 7. The smart firearm 300 may then be operable on theowner's property, hunting grounds, shooting ranges, and any unrestrictedpublic areas.

Every firearm safety system 100 may work in conjunction with the smartfirearm 300, owner's smart phone 206 and smart tracking app 208. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the firearm owner may log onto the smart trackingapp 208 on their smart phone 206 and enter their pass code to activatetheir weapon (112). Once the weapon owner is out in public their firearmmay operate as normal unless in a safety zone (114). Once the weaponowner approaches a safety perimeter 204 (116), the owner may receive anotice or warning of the safety perimeter 204 and safety zone 202 (118).At this point the weapon owner may either choose to proceed legally orillegally. If the owner chooses to proceed legally, the weapon owner mayenter their pass code into the smart tracking app 208 and lockdown theirsmart weapon (120). If the weapon owner decides to proceed illegally,the owner chooses not to lock down their smart weapon (122).

With further reference to FIG. 2, the owner of the smart weapon may thencrosses a safety perimeter 204 or enters a safety zone 202 (124),whereby their smart weapon may be remotely deactivated (128) bycommunications between the smart firearm 300/smart magazine 400 andtracking system 200 components, thereby rendering their smart firearm300 or smart magazine 400 inoperable. Simultaneously, law enforcementofficers may be notified of the safety zone 202 violation (126) and thenarrive on scene to apprehend the weapon owner (130).

With reference to FIG. 7, the smart tracking phone app 208 may also tellthe firearm owner where the safety zones 202 are located and warn thesmart firearm 300 owner ahead of time so that the firearm owner mayavoid violating the safety zone 202. For example, there may be optionsin the smart tracking app 208 that the owner may personalize regardingwhen the firearm owner is notified of a safety zone 202. The owner maypersonalize how often he or she is notified, the distance away from thesafety zone 202 before the owner is notified, and the like. There mayalso be an option that the owner may select that may automatically lockdown the owner's smart firearm 300 prior to entering a safety zone 202,such as within 10 feet of a safety zone 202 the owner may choose to havehis or her smart weapon automatically lock down, so that the owner doesnot have to worry about breaking the law.

Whenever the smart firearm 300 may be activated by the owner in a publicarea, the smart firearm 300 may be tracked via satellite 210, such as bya Global Positioning System (GPS) or any other appropriate trackingmeans, by the tracking system 200. It is widely known to be able totrack cell phones 206 by satellite 210. There are many GPS phone 206applications online, such as Google Maps and Google Latitude. Once thesmart tracking app 208 is installed on the owner's smart phone 206, thephone 206 may send a signal to a GPS satellite 210, which will then sendthe signal back to a receiver that will put the owner's location on amap.

The registered smart firearm 300 owner would be accountable and verifiedby his or her established phone service records. Alternatively, theregistered smart firearm 300 owner may be verified by any otherappropriate type of record, such as by social security number, taxrecords, utilities, and the like, and should not be limited to thatdisclosed herein. As an alternative, the smart firearm 300 or smartmagazine 400 owner may be required to go into a location, such as a gunstore, police station or the like, to have their smart firearm 300 orsmart magazine 400 updated, upgraded and/or verified. This way the ownerinformation may be consistently updated and accurate so that the ownerof the smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400 may be held accountablefor his or her actions. For example, the smart gun or smart magazine 400owner may go into a police station, log onto a computer to update andverify their contact information. This could be a mandatory law,voluntary, and/or could be associated with necessary upgrades to thesmart firearm 300 system. These upgrades and updates may be included inthe cost of the smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400.

The tracking system 200 may establish and monitor all safety perimeters204 and safety zones 202 by using the smart tracking app 208 and variousgovernment satellites 210. Any activated smart firearm 300 or smartmagazine 400 may be deactivated via communications between the smarttracking system 200 and various components in communication with thatsystem. If the owner of the smart firearm 300 approaches within 1000feet of any safety zone 202 the smart tracking app 208 may alert thefirearm owner. The smart firearm 300 and/or smart magazine 400 mayautomatically lockdown once the gun owner crosses the safety perimeter204 of the established safety zone 202. An immediate alert is also sentout to all local law officers. The safety perimeter 204 may beestablished around all schools, government buildings, corporate servicesubscribers and the like.

Protected public entities with established safety perimeters 204 may setthe perimeter distance as desired (e.g., 3,000 foot perimeter for aschool, or a 5,000 foot for a military base). Anyone with a smartfirearm 300 or smart magazine 400 would not be able to encroach theestablished safety perimeter 204 without deactivating the smart firearm300 or smart magazine 400 and alerting authorities simultaneously. Oncesmart firearms 300 or smart magazines 400 are the only weaponry allowedin public areas, safety zones 202 may be established in various publicareas. All public threats would be severely hindered by implementationof the firearm safety system 100 and related technology.

With the firearm safety system 100 technology, the threat of gun theftmay decrease dramatically. The owner of the smart firearm 300 or smartmagazine 400 may have a pass code for their smart firearm 300. The smartfirearm 300 may have to be used in conjunction with the owner's smartphone 206 only. Owners of smart firearms 300 and smart magazines 400 mayalso lock their weapons while not in use or while the owner is away fromthe firearm. The owner may also lock their weapons remotely if theyforgot, or as needed for safety purposes.

If the smart firearm 300 is used in conjunction with the owner's smartphone 206, the smart firearm 300 would know if it is pointed in thedirection of the smart firearm owner by signals being communicated andsent between the system components. This may prevent the gun owner fromhaving their smart firearm 300 used against them by an assailant,eliminate smart firearm 300 weapon theft, and may also prevent suicidefrom being committed with a smart firearm 300. In an exemplaryembodiment, the gun owner may typically have his or her smart phone 206on their person in addition to their smart firearm 300 or smart magazine400.

The smart phone 206 may be able to communicate with the smart firearm300 or smart magazine 400 via any appropriate manner, such as sensorslocated in the system components, satellite tracking, etc. The smartfirearm 300 may communicate with the smart phone 206 to indicate thatthe smart firearm 300 is pointed towards the smart phone 206. Once thesmart phone app 208 picks up that the smart firearm 300 is pointedtowards the gun owner and the smart phone 206, the smart tracking app208 may communicate with the smart firearm 300 to disarm the gun andprevent the gun from being shot at the gun owner.

Alternatively, the gun owner may also be implanted with a RFID chip orthe like that may emit a signal that the smart tracking app 208 may alsotracks. This signal may be used to determine if the smart firearm 300 isbeing pointed at the owner of the smart firearm 300 or smart magazine400, thereby disabling the smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400 frombeing able to shoot the weapon at the owner.

As the owner of a smart firearm 300 approaches an established safetyzone 202 their smart phone app 208 may issue a warning, such as anaudible and/or vibration warning, advising them that they need tolegally deactivate their smart firearm 300. If a smart firearm 300 ownercrosses the safety perimeter 204, the smart firearm 300 and smartmagazine 400 may automatically lockdown making the weapon inoperable.Simultaneously local law officers may be notified of the safety zoneviolation and arrest the disarmed suspect. The safety zones 202 may beestablished at schools, charges, government buildings, militaryfacilities, conflict zones, political and public events, and manyothers.

In an exemplary embodiment, each smart firearm 300 owner must have atracking mobile unit, or smart phone 206 with the smart tracking phoneapplication 208 to operate it. To activate the smart firearm 300, anindividualized pass code combination may be entered into the trackingunit or phone app 208. A smart firearm 300 may be developed andconfigured for every make, model, caliber size, and the remote automatictrigger lockdown may be used for any device that uses a triggermechanism. The law abiding citizen may be free to legally carry hissmart firearm 300 equipped with a smart magazine 400 in any unrestrictedarea. However, if the gun owner approaches 1,000 feet of any safetyperimeter 204 with an activated smart firearm 300, the smart trackingphone app 208 or a separate smart tracking unit may warn them to legallydeactivate their smart firearm 300.

While 1,000 feet may be suggested as a default starting point, it may bepreferable that larger caliber firearms with more effective ranges havea larger distance between the safety perimeter 204 and protectedfacility 102. For example, .50 caliber may have a 6,000 foot establishedsafety perimeter 204 and a 9 mm may have a 3,000 foot safety perimeter204.

With reference to FIG. 3, the smart firearm 300 may include a computerprocessing unit 302, such as a microprocessor, and an automatic safetylock 304 located within and/or secured to the frame 306 of the firearm.The automatic safety lock 304 may operate in various manners dependingupon the type of firearm being utilized, such as a pistol, rifle, etc.The automatic safety lock 304 may be of any appropriate shape, size,type or configuration, such as a bar, L-shaped bar, and the like,depending upon the desired location of the automatic safety lock in thedesired type of weapon. The microprocessor 302 may lock down the smartfirearm 300 via the automatic safety lock 304.

The automatic safety lock 304 may be located in any appropriate locationon the frame 306 of the smart firearm 300, depending upon where thesafety lock 304 may best fit. In an exemplary embodiment and withreference to FIG. 4, the smart firearm 300 may comprise a subcompact 9mm pistol, for example. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4,the smart firearm 300 may include various electronic andtelecommunication components, such as a microprocessor 302, a firearmtracking component 308 (such as a GPS unit), a transmitter 310, areceiver 312, a battery 314 and an input port 316, such as for chargingthe battery 314 if needed. The smart firearm 300 may also include aswitch 318, a relay 320 and a motor 322 connected to an automatic safetylock 304.

In use, the microprocessor 302 may receive a signal to lock down thesmart firearm 300 and the automatic safety lock 304 may move into thelock position. As shown in FIG. 4, the subcompact 9 mm pistol may belocked down via the automatic safety lock 304 by preventing the sear 324from moving the striker 326. The sear pin 324 of the firearm may belocked, thereby preventing the striker 326 from making contact with thecartridge primer. The trigger lock bar 328 could be housed in the grip330 preventing the trigger bar 328 from moving the sear 324, which wouldlock the striker 326.

The location of the remote automatic safety lock 304 may depend on themake, model and caliber size of the firearm. In an alternativeembodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the smart firearm 300 may includevarious electronic and telecommunication components, such as amicroprocessor 302, a firearm tracking component 308 (such as a GPSunit), a transmitter 310, a receiver 312, a battery 314 and an inputport 316, such as for charging the battery 314 if needed. The smartfirearm 300 may also include a switch 318, a relay 320 and a motor 322connected to an automatic safety lock 304.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the automatic safety lock 304 may comprise alock bar 328 located within the grip safety 332 of the smart firearm300. The remote automatic safety lock 304 may be placed at a point wherea bar may prevent a grip safety 332 from depressing, which would renderthe firearm inoperable. In another exemplary embodiment, the remoteautomatic safety lock 304 may be placed in an area closer to the trigger334 and next to a locking block 336 of the smart firearm 300, as shownin FIG. 3.

In an exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor unit 302 in the smartfirearm 300 may have the GPS coordinates for any established safetyperimeters 204. If the gun equipped with smart firearm 300 technologyentered a safety zone 202, the microprocessor 302 in the smart firearm300 would order the smart firearm 300 to execute the automatic safetylockdown procedure, which would activate the lock motor switch 318 tomove the trigger automatic safety lock bar 304 into position locking thesear pin 324 in place rendering the firearm inoperable. Simultaneously,the microprocessor 302 on the smart firearm 300 in communication withthe smart tracking unit 206 may transmit the location and any pertinentinformation to law authorities by using the tracking system remoteserver 110. Any smart firearm 300 crossing into a safety perimeter 204would alert the tracking system 200. The tracking system 200 would senda satellite signal to the smart firearm 300 receiver 312.

A benefit of the smart firearm 300 is that it may prevent gun theft dueto the assigned smart tracking unit 206 and/or smart tracking phone app208 and individualized pass code. A child could no longer find a firearmand accidentally harm themselves. As a result of communications betweenthe smart tracking unit 206 and the smart firearm 300, the firearm maygo into automatic lockdown mode if it is pointed toward the direction ofthe smart firearm 300 owner, thus preventing assailants from using asmart firearm 300 against its owner, an owner accidentally shootingthemselves, but also preventing a smart firearm 300 owner fromattempting suicide.

During start up, the smart tracking app 208 and tracking system 200 mayload the preset safety zone coordinates into the smart firearm 300. Ifthe smart firearm 300 crosses a safety perimeter 204, the computer mayactivate the trigger lock bar motor 322. The lock motor 322 switches onand moves the trigger automatic safety lock bar 304 into the lockposition, thereby sliding the lock bar 304 into the sear 324. With thelock bar 304 located in the lock position inside the sear 324, the sear324 is unable to move preventing the striker 326 from moving, therebyrendering the weapon inoperable.

Every smart firearm 300 may be used in conjunction with the smarttracking smart phone app 208 and tracking system 200. All smart firearms300 may have a personalized user pass code that may be used to activatethe smart firearm 300. Each smart firearm 300 may be used on privateproperty, designated spaces, and unrestricted public areas. If a smartfirearm 300 owner ventured close to an established safety perimeter 204,their smart tracking app 208 may alert them to legally deactivate theirsmart firearm 300. Encroaching inside of the safety perimeter 204 mayautomatically lockdown the smart firearm 300 making the weaponinoperable and simultaneously alerting local law officers.

Every smart firearm 300 is used in conjunction with the smart trackingapp 208 on their smart phone 206 and may be tracked by the trackingsystem 200. If the smart firearm owner approaches an established safetyperimeter 204 their smart phone 206 may alert the owner to legallydisarm their weapon. Crossing into the safety zone 202 may automaticallydeactivate the smart firearm 300 and simultaneously alert law officers.

The smart firearm 300 may enable communities to create safety zones 202where no smart firearms 300 or smart magazines 400 can threaten them. Itmay be designated for every caliber type of weapon. Any gun manufacturedfrom this point forward may be designed to be a smart firearm 300. Thiscould include revolvers, pistols, shotguns, rifles, and the like,theoretically anything with a trigger.

Inside a safety perimeter 204 there may be established active smartfirearms 300 for security purposes (e.g., military police officers on amilitary base, only officers' smart firearms 300 may be active while allother soldiers smart firearms 300 may be deactivated upon crossing theset safety perimeter 204. In another example, only the smart firearms300 utilized by the Secret Service at a Presidential destination may beactive. Alternatively, temporary events and special events, such asmajor sporting events, Olympics, concerts and the like may utilizesafety zones 202.

Using a smart firearm 300 owner's smart phone 206 may help ensure theiridentity and make them accountable. If a smart firearm 300 is dischargedin public, local law officers may be notified immediately of thedisturbance and location and provide any necessary assistance. A smartfirearm 300 may be locked remotely by the owner for travel or safetypurposes.

The firearm safety system 100 may also deter gun theft. When the smartfirearm 300 is used in conjunction with the owner's smart phone 206, thesmart firearm 300 may know if it is pointed in the direction of thesmart firearm 300 owner by signals communicated between the systemcomponents. This may prevent the owner from having their smart firearm300 used against them by an assailant. A smart firearm 300 owner mayalso be prevented from trying to use their smart firearm 300 to commitsuicide.

The firearm safety system 100 may bring smart weapon technology tocitizens of the world. For the first time no gun safety zones 202 may beestablished, thereby preventing any smart firearm 300 or smart magazine400 from being discharged inside the safety zone 202 whilesimultaneously alerting law officers of a public safety threat. If smartfirearm 300 and smart magazine 400 equipped weapons were the onlyweapons allowed in public, the government could create safety nets oversensitive public areas. Citizens may have the freedom and responsibilityto have a smart weapon in public, but they could pose no threat toprotected no gun safety zone 202 sites. The firearm safety system 100directly attempts to combat gun violence in the public while stillallowing citizens to utilize their 2.sup.nd Amendment rights.

An exemplary embodiment of a smart magazine 400 is illustrated in FIG.6. The smart magazine 400 may be designed for every make and caliber ofgun magazine. It may be used to replace any magazines that gun ownerswould be allowed to carry in public. Any gun equipped with a smartmagazine 400 may be used in conjunction with the gun owner's smart phoneapp 208 connecting the smart magazine 400 to the tracking system 200.The smart magazine 400 may be used in any unrestricted public area ordesignated space. If the gun owner were to approach an establishedsafety zone 202, their phone 206 would alert them to disarm theirweapon. Crossing the established safety perimeter 204 wouldautomatically lockdown the smart magazine 400 and simultaneously alertlocal law officers, thereby preventing any public threat.

The automatic safety lock 401 may be located in any appropriate locationon the smart magazine 400, depending upon where the safety lock may bestfit. In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 6, the smartmagazine 400 components may be located within the magazine base 402,between the magazine base 402 and the locking plate 404. The lockingplate 404 may also be attached to a magazine follower 406 via a magazinespring 408. The smart magazine 400 may include various electronic andtelecommunication components, such as a microprocessor 410, a firearmtracking component 412 (such as a GPS unit), a transmitter 414, areceiver 416, a battery 418 and an input port 420, such as for chargingthe battery 418 if needed. The smart magazine 400 may also include aswitch 422, a relay 424 and a motor 426 connected to an automatic safetylock 401, as shown in FIG. 6.

The microprocessor unit in the smart magazine 400 may have the GPScoordinates for any established safety perimeters 204. If a firearmequipped with a smart magazine 400 entered a safety perimeter 204, thesmart magazines microprocessor 410 may order the smart magazine 400 toexecute the automatic safety lockdown procedure, which may activate thelock motor switch 422 to move the automatic safety lock bar 401 intoposition locking the magazine follower 406 in place. As shown in FIG. 6,the magazine follower 406 may be prevented from feeding ammunition 428to the weapon, thereby rendering the firearm inoperable. Simultaneously,the microprocessor 410 on the smart magazine 400 in communication withthe smart tracking unit or smart phone 206 may transmit the location andany pertinent information to law authorities by using the trackingsystem's 200 remote server 110.

Any magazine fed weapon or firearm may utilize the smart magazine 400.Any gun equipped with the smart magazine 400 may be used in conjunctionwith the smart tracking app 208 on the user's smart phone 206. The smartmagazine 400 may be used in any unrestricted public area or designatedspace. If the smart magazine 400 owner were to approach an establishedsafety zone 202 their smart phone 206 may alert them to deactivate theirweapon. Crossing the safety perimeter 204 into the safety zone 202 wouldautomatically lockdown the smart magazine 400, thereby rendering itinoperable and simultaneously alerting local law enforcement officers.

In an exemplary embodiment, once a person violates a safety zone 202,the tracking system 200 may transmit a satellite 210 signal to thereceiver on the smart magazine 400 unit. The microprocessor 410 may thenmove the switch 422 to move the magazine follower 406 safety lock bar401 into the lock position. The lock mechanism may slide the magazinefollower 406 automatic safety lock bar 401 into position inside a holeon the magazine follower 406. The smart magazine 400 may then be lockedand inoperable because the magazine follower 406 and spring 408 may belocked in place, thereby making the smart magazine 400 unable to feedthe weapon ammunition 428.

The smart magazine 400 may be configured for every make and model,caliber and magazine type. To initially establish use of the firearmsafety system 100, all gun magazines produced prior to the smartmagazine 400 being introduced into the market may be retrofitted or maybe relegated to use on private property. Once all weapon owners arerequired to have smart magazines 400 in public, safety zones 202 maythen be established worldwide. Subsequently, every weapon produced inthe near future may contain smart firearm 300 technology inside itsframe 306, thereby making every gun owner safe, accountable and thusremoving the threat to sensitive public areas.

The smart magazine 400 may make any magazine fed weapon capable of beingsmart or being locked via the computer processing unit or microprocessor410. The smart magazine 400 may prevent public threats by any weaponequipped with a smart magazine 400. Using the smart magazine 400 owner'ssmart phone 206 may help ensure their identity as well as make theweapon owner accountable. If any smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400equipped weapon is discharged, the local law officers would be notifiedof the disturbance and the exact location and be dispatched to provideany assistance needed.

A major benefit is that the smart magazine 400 may make all oldermagazine fed weapons owner's accountable and safe in public areas anddiminishes public threats. The only drawback that has been found withthe smart magazine 400, is that a weapon with a smart magazine 400 may,however, still be fired once, or have each round chambered separately.

A smart magazine 400 owner must have a mobile tracking unit, or smartphone 206 with the smart tracking phone application 208. To activate thesmart magazine 400, an individualized pass code combination may beentered into the tracking unit or phone app 208. A smart magazine 400may be developed and configured for every make, model and caliber size.

The smart magazine 400 may allow the law abiding citizen to be free tolegally carry his or her firearm equipped with a smart magazine 400 inany unrestricted area. However, if the gun owner approaches 1,000 feetof any safety perimeter 204 with an activated smart magazine 400, thesmart tracking app 208 may warn them to legally deactivate their smartmagazine 400. It may be suggested that larger caliber firearms with moreeffective ranges should have a larger distance in between the safetyperimeter 204 and protected facility 102. For example, .50 caliber mayhave a 6,000 foot established safety perimeter 204 and a 9 mm may have a3,000 foot safety perimeter 204.

In an exemplary embodiment, a smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400owner may have a smart tracking mobile unit, or smart phone 206 with thesmart tracking phone application 208. To activate the gun anindividualized pass code combination may be entered into the smarttracking unit or phone app 208. The law abiding citizen may be free tolegally carry his firearm in any unrestricted area. However, if the gunowner approaches 1,000 feet of a safety perimeter 204 his or her smarttracking unit 206 may warn him to legally deactivate the weapon. Themicroprocessor unit 302 in the firearm may have the GPS coordinates forthe safety perimeter 204. If the firearm owner entered the safetyperimeter 204, the microprocessor 302 may order the smart firearm 300 orsmart magazine 400 into automatic lockdown mode rendering the firearmand magazine inoperable. Simultaneously, the smart tracking unit 206 maytransmit a Safety Zone Violation to local authorities to alert lawofficers and speed up response time.

Each smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400 may have a GPS tracker 308,412 located within it, being provided with a GPS receiving circuit 312,416, a microprocessor 302, 410 and a signal transmission circuit 310,414. Information may be transmitted to a microprocessor unit 302, 410 ineach smart firearm 300 or smart magazine 400. Each smart firearm 300 andsmart magazine 400 may be equipped with a GPS tracking system 308, 412,the GPS tracker may be provided with a GPS receiving circuit, amicroprocessor and a signal transmission circuit. The microprocessor maybe separately connected to the GPS receiving circuit and the signaltransmission circuit.

The GPS receiving circuit may be able to receive geographic positioningsatellite 210 coordinate signals, and then the geographic positioningsatellite 210 coordinate signals may be matched with an internalpre-stored geographic database to obtain the position of the smartfirearm 300 or smart magazine 400, whereupon the position may thentransmitted to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may obtain theposition of the smart gun 300 or smart magazine 400 from the GPSreceiving circuit, and may obtain the circumstances of the safety zoneviolation, whereupon the microprocessor 302, 410 may execute theautomatic safety lock of the smart firearm 300 and smart magazine 400.Accordingly, the signal transmission circuit may transmit theinformation obtained to a remote server 110, which may notify therelevant authorities, thereby completely disabling the smart firearm 300and smart magazine 400 and alerting law officers.

If a smart firearm 300 violates an established safety perimeter 204, themicroprocessor 302 transmits the location of the smart firearm 300 toauthorities via the tracking system's 200 remote server 110.Simultaneously, the microprocessor 302 on the smart firearm 300 or smartmagazine 400 may execute the automatic lockdown procedure. Themicroprocessor unit 410 may engage the smart magazine 400 followerautomatic safety lock bar 401 into the lock position disabling themagazine until law officers can arrive. The microprocessor 302 may alsoengage the trigger automatic safety lock 304 on the smart firearm 300with the lock location depending on the make and caliber. As discussedabove, a smart firearm 300 automatic safety lock may be located on thesear pin 324, grip safety 332, or near the locking block 336.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustratedin the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detaileddescription, it is to be understood that the present invention is not tobe limited to the embodiments disclosed, but that the inventiondescribed herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modificationsand substitutions without departing from the scope of the claimshereafter.

1. A smart safety magazine apparatus for use with an associated firearmdevice including a gun frame, a trigger, a sear mechanically connectedwith the trigger, a striker mechanically connected with the sear andbeing operable to selectively contact an associated bullet communicatedto the gun frame to thereby shoot the associated bullet from theassociated firearm device, the smart safety magazine apparatuscomprising: a magazine frame; a feed member configured to selectivelycommunicate an associated bullet to the gun frame of the associatedfirearm device; a microprocessor coupled with the magazine frame; areceiver in operative communication with the microprocessor, wherein thereceiver is configured to receive a first signal from an associatedsafety signal source; and a safety lock in operative communication withthe microprocessor; wherein the safety lock is configured to selectivelyprevent the feed member from communicating the associated bullet to thegun frame in response to the first signal received by the receiver fromthe associated safety signal source.
 2. The smart safety magazineapparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver is configured to receivelocation data as the first signal from at least one associatedsatellite.
 3. The smart safety magazine apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising: a non-transient memory operatively coupled with themicroprocessor and the receiver, the non-transient memory storing safetyperimeter data corresponding to coordinates of a predetermineddesignated area; wherein the microprocessor is operative to compare thelocation data from the at least one associated satellite with the safetyperimeter data and determined a location of the smart safety magazineapparatus relative to the predetermined designated area; wherein themicroprocessor is operative to determine whether the smart safetymagazine apparatus is within the predetermined designated area; andmicroprocessor is configured to generate a safety zone signal inresponse to the microprocessor determining the smart safety magazineapparatus is within the predetermined designated area.
 4. The smartsafety magazine apparatus of claim 3, wherein: the safety lock isconfigured to selectively prevent the feed member from communicating theassociated bullet to the gun frame in response to the microprocessorgenerating the safety zone signal.
 5. The smart safety magazineapparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a transmitter operativelycoupled with the microprocessor, the receiver, and the non-transientmemory, the transmitter being operative to transmit a safety warningsignal in response to the microprocessor determining the smart safetymagazine apparatus is within the predetermined designated area.
 6. Thesmart safety magazine apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the transmitter isin operative communication with an associated portable electronic deviceof a user of the associated firearm device; and the transmitter isoperative to transmit the safety warning signal to the associatedportable electronic device in response to the microprocessor determiningthe smart safety magazine apparatus is within the predetermineddesignated area.
 7. The smart safety magazine apparatus of claim 5,wherein: the transmitter is in operative communication with anassociated smart tracking unit of an associated smart tracking systemcomprising law enforcement; and the transmitter is operative to transmitthe safety warning signal to the associated smart tracking unit tocommunicate the safety warning signal to the associated smart trackingsystem via the associated smart tracking unit in response to themicroprocessor determining the smart safety magazine apparatus is withinthe predetermined designated area.
 8. The smart safety magazineapparatus of claim 7, wherein: the receiver is in operativecommunication with the associated smart tracking unit of the associatedsmart tracking system comprising law enforcement; the receiver isoperative to receive an unlock command signal from the associated smarttracking unit responsive to an associated user of the smart trackingunit providing pass code date to the smart tracking unit; themicroprocessor is configured to determine an authenticity of the passcode data; and the safety lock is configured to selectively permit thefeed member to communicate the associated bullet to the gun frame inresponse to a result of the microprocessor determining the authenticityof the pass code data received by the receiver from the associated smarttracking unit.
 9. The smart safety magazine apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a non-transient memory operatively coupled with themicroprocessor and the receiver, the non-transient memory storing safetyperimeter data corresponding to coordinates of a predetermineddesignated area, wherein the microprocessor is operative to determinewhether the smart safety magazine apparatus is within the predetermineddesignated area; and a transmitter operatively coupled with themicroprocessor, the receiver, and the non-transient memory, thetransmitter being operative to transmit a safety warning signal inresponse to the microprocessor determining the smart safety magazineapparatus is within the predetermined designated area.
 10. The smartsafety magazine apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the safety lock isconfigured to selectively prevent the feed member from communicating theassociated bullet to the gun frame in response to the microprocessorgenerating the safety zone signal; the transmitter is in operativecommunication with an associated smart tracking unit of an associatedsmart tracking system comprising law enforcement; and the transmitter isoperative to transmit the safety warning signal to the associated smarttracking unit to communicate the safety warning signal to the associatedsmart tracking system via the associated smart tracking unit in responseto the microprocessor determining the smart safety magazine apparatus iswithin the predetermined designated area.
 11. A firearm magazinecomprising: a magazine frame; a feed member configured to selectivelycommunicate an associated bullet to an associated the gun frame of anassociated firearm device; a microprocessor coupled with the magazineframe; a receiver in operative communication with the microprocessor,wherein the receiver is configured to receive a first signal from anassociated safety signal source; and a safety lock in operativecommunication with the microprocessor; wherein the safety lock isconfigured to selectively prevent the feed member from communicating theassociated bullet to the associated gun frame in response to the firstsignal received by the receiver from the associated safety signalsource.
 12. The smart safety magazine apparatus of claim 11, wherein thereceiver is configured to receive location data as the first signal fromat least one associated satellite.
 13. The firearm magazine of claim 12,further comprising: a non-transient memory operatively coupled with themicroprocessor and the receiver, the non-transient memory storing safetyperimeter data corresponding to coordinates of a predetermineddesignated area; wherein the microprocessor is operative to compare thelocation data from the at least one associated satellite with the safetyperimeter data and determined a location of the firearm magazinerelative to the predetermined designated area.
 14. The firearm magazineof claim 13, wherein: the microprocessor is operative to determinewhether the firearm magazine is within the predetermined designatedarea; and the safety lock is configured to selectively prevent the feedmember from communicating the associated bullet to the gun frame inresponse to the microprocessor determining the firearm magazine iswithin the predetermined designated area.
 15. The firearm magazine ofclaim 14, further comprising: a transmitter operatively coupled with themicroprocessor, the receiver, and the non-transient memory, thetransmitter being operative to transmit a safety warning signal inresponse to the microprocessor determining the firearm magazine iswithin the predetermined designated area.
 16. The firearm magazine ofclaim 15, wherein: the transmitter is in operative communication with anassociated portable electronic device of a user of the associatedfirearm device; and the transmitter is operative to transmit the safetywarning signal to the associated portable electronic device in responseto the microprocessor determining the firearm magazine is within thepredetermined designated area.
 17. The firearm magazine of claim 15,wherein: the transmitter is in operative communication with anassociated smart tracking unit of an associated smart tracking systemcomprising law enforcement; and the transmitter is operative to transmitthe safety warning signal to the associated smart tracking unit tocommunicate the safety warning signal to the associated smart trackingsystem via the associated smart tracking unit in response to themicroprocessor determining the firearm magazine is within thepredetermined designated area.
 18. A method of operating a smart safetymagazine apparatus in an associated firearm device including a gunframe, a trigger, a sear mechanically connected with the trigger, astriker mechanically connected with the sear and being operable toselectively contact an associated bullet communicated to the gun frameto thereby shoot the associated bullet from the associated firearmdevice, the smart safety magazine apparatus comprising a magazine frame,a feed member configured to selectively communicate an associated bulletto the gun frame of the associated firearm device, a microprocessorcoupled with the magazine frame, a receiver in operative communicationwith the microprocessor, wherein the receiver is configured to receive afirst signal from an associated safety signal source, and a safety lockin operative communication with the microprocessor, the methodcomprising: receiving, by the receiver from an associated safety signalsource, the first signal; and selectively preventing, by the safetylock, the feed member from communicating the associated bullet to thegun frame in response to the first signal received by the receiver fromthe associated safety signal source.
 19. The method according to claim18, further comprising: receiving, by the receiver from at least oneassociated satellite, location data as the first signal; storing safetyperimeter data corresponding to coordinates of a predetermineddesignated area in a non-transient memory operatively coupled with themicroprocessor and the receiver; comparing, by the microprocessor, thelocation data received from the at least one associated satellite withthe safety perimeter data, and determining by the microprocessor alocation of the smart safety magazine apparatus relative to thepredetermined designated area; determining, by the microprocessor,whether the smart safety magazine apparatus is within the predetermineddesignated area; and generating, by the microprocessor, a safety zonesignal in response to the microprocessor determining the smart safetymagazine apparatus is within the predetermined designated area.
 20. Themethod according to claim 19, further comprising: selectivelypreventing, by the safety lock, the feed member from communicating theassociated bullet to the gun frame in response to the microprocessorgenerating the safety zone signal.
 21. The method according to claim 19,further comprising: transmitting, by the transmitter, the safety warningsignal to an associated smart tracking unit to communicate the safetywarning signal to an associated smart tracking system via the associatedsmart tracking unit in response to the microprocessor determining thesmart safety magazine apparatus is within the predetermined designatedarea.